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Our goal is to share the stories of 500 Black Educators. We will celebrate the impact and achievements, lean into the joy and lament, and highlight the important roles that educators play in our lives. www.blackeducatorsmatter.org The Movement: Black Educators Matter is a nonprofit organization designed to create an ecosystem for Black educators globally. Through engagement and podcasting, we will document our stories and harness our collective power to enact change and make excellence equit ...
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“Ms. Stampley was my inspiration…” Barbara Bennett Reading Interventionist, Pre K, K, 1st - 3rd "I had the best teachers." This week we are joined by Ms. Barbara Bennett, a dedicated reading interventionist with a background in Pre-K - 3. Growing up in Clarksdale, Mississippi, Bennett was highly inspired by her teacher, Ms. Stampley, and experience…
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“I’m overjoyed that our kids now have these opportunities.” Wil Page Climate Justice 6th Grade Math/Science "It was joyful," says Wil Page, reflecting on his journey as a 6th-grade science teacher with 16 years of experience. Growing up in Los Angeles, he navigated the complexities of being the only biracial child in his class. Inspired by his unap…
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“This is our Selma Bridge.” Dr. Qiana O’Leary https://drqianaoleary.com/ www.minty-es.com "A glorious, glorious journey." #Shoutout to the storytellers. This week, we sit with Dr. Qiana O'Leary, CEO, Founder, and Owner of Minty Educational Services, as she reflects on moments of joy and pain throughout her 27-year career. Starting as an instruction…
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Dante Plush Director of Youth Engagement, Comedian IG: @DanteFlush “We need to address these educational barriers that are stopping our kids outside of school from getting a good education inside of school.” “What is there to be scared of?” Dante Flush, Director of Youth Engagement, says he has the best job in the world as he supports and listens t…
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“We aren’t looking for allies… we are looking for co-conspirators…” Cecily My-art Cruz 6th and 7th English Teacher, President, United Teachers Los Angeles https://utla.net/contacts/cecily-myart-cruz/ “All I knew was Black educators showing us Black excellence on a daily basis.” In this episode, we had the honor of speaking with Cecily My-art Cruz, …
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“I feel like I found my revolution in teaching.” Rodney Powell School Principal, Founder EdArchy “I want to see free kids have free thoughts.” "In education, we have the power to construct freedom," shares Mr. Rodney Powell, a school principal and founder of EdArchy, as he reflects on his journey and vision for education. His path into education wa…
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“We have yet to reckon with the influence of racism and white supremacy in all of our spaces, but especially schools.” Dr. Daman Harris Manager of Higher Education Partnerships, Co-Director BOND Project, Author www.damanharris.com Bondeducators.org Book: The Antiracist School Leader “There have always been people around me that poured into me.” In …
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“Each generation has to make sure that the next generation does better.” Dr. Don Parker Educational Keynote Speaker, Author, Former Administrator, Dean and Educator https://drdonparker.com/about/ “I absolutely knew what I wanted to do. I knew what I wanted my future to look like." #Shoutout to the PE Teachers! As a Black male educator, author, spea…
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“Education is like a game, there are rules to the game. Black children, often time, are not given the rulebook.“ Dr. Tracee Perryman CEO / CoFounder of Center of Hope Family Services, Author https://cohfs.org/ “I became energized by teaching children how to learn, how to think.” Dr. Tracee Perryman, CEO/Co-Founder of Center of Hope Family Services,…
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“Being an educator is a lifestyle.” Tierra Jones Classroom Teacher (Spanish, World History), Paraprofessional “I get those kids because I was that kid.” Ms. Tierra Jones, a classroom teacher and paraprofessional, emphasizes the significance of representation in education, recognizing her own journey from a skeptical student to a dedicated educator.…
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“My philosophy is to leave people better, coach them to a new level.” Coach Carlos Johnson https://carlosjohnson.org/ "True educating will not start, can not start, until you’ve created an environment for healthy relationships to foster.” Hailing from Detroit, Michigan, with over two decades of experience, Coach Carlos Johnson adeptly bridges the w…
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“Support the arts… the arts make life worth living.” Dr. Carolyn Sebron, Opera Singer, Educator www.youtube.com/@carolynsebron5567 "Our lives are not restricted to the borders of this country." Step into the vibrant world of Dr. Carolyn Sebron, a renowned opera singer and dedicated educator, as she unveils the transformative power of music and educ…
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“Get Curious” Abdel Shakur 15th year English Teacher, Podcast Host https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/black-teacher-matters/id1542560174 "The essence of humanity…" #Shoutout to the power of our stories. Abdel Shakur is an English teacher with over 15 years of experience, and is the host of the Black Teacher Matters podcast. As he reflects on his…
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“I know I love to read and I know we need to cultivate that in students.” Cynthia Cobb HR Generalist, Training and Development Storytime Anytime 4U "School was part of our family DNA." This week, we engage with Ms. Cynthia Cobb, a nontraditional guest with a rich background in human resources and training and development. Through reflecting on her …
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“We have to leave space for how are you, really? Are you well?” Dr. Asia Lyons CEO, Lyons Educational Consulting Co-Host, The Exit Interview Podcast Co-Facilitator, Black Educator Wellness Cohort “Our stories need to be shared, our perspectives need to be shared. We belong in all places.” In this week’s compelling episode, we speak with Dr. Asia Ly…
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The Triple C Affect “The world doesn’t really respond to them the way that we do.” Henry Caudle - 7th Grade Special Education Math Teacher Robert Chatmon - 12th Grade Economics Teacher Dr. Aaron Carter Jr - Principal, US History Teacher (23 years) https://www.thetriplecaffect.com/ “Tough love has been out since 2010. There is no tough love if they …
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“Other people see our value… but we don’t…” Young Ladies at all Times Sherri Simmons www.youngladiesatalltimes.com Assistant Principal, Nonprofit Founder and President, Elementary School Teacher, STEAM Instructional Coach "The education system is designed for us to fail." Embark on a transformative journey with Ms. Sherri Simmons, an educational le…
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“Take educator skill sets into the community to thrive in different ways.” Kendra Nalubega-Booker Educator, K-12, Higher Ed, Author, Executive Leader in Tech Company https://www.amazon.com/Hacking-Culturally-Inclusive-Teaching-Anti-racist/dp/1956512306 https://www.instagram.com/becoming.dr.booker/ "We’re going to co-create together" In this week’s …
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*Trigger warning, mental health* “Working with kids gave me purpose.” Donovan Taylor Hall Youth Development Specialist https://www.instagram.com/donofriend/ “Kids need people to invest in them so they can learn to invest in themselves.” Oh the joys of a healing journey. This episode, we are joined by Mr. Donovan Taylor Hall, affectionately known as…
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"TSU saved my life." Dionne Cooley Computer Science Teacher “My worry is for those students like me, at predominately white schools…” #Shoutout to Tennessee State University! This week, Ms. Dionne Cooley, a Computer Science teacher with 16 years of experience, takes us on a walk down memory lane through her educational and career journey. Originati…
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“Every Black child deserves the future representation of their manifestation.” Nadia Benett School Turnaround Strategist, K-12 schools When Brown Girls Lead - https://www.nadiabennett.com/ "I believe when more Black and Brown educators are given the opportunity to lead, schools in communities of color thrive." In this impactful episode, we had the …
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“I never forgot about my time as a K-12 educator.” Dr. Siobhan Flowers Licensed Mental Health Therapist / Higher Ed Professor (Former 7th grade ELA teacher and Lead HS Counselor) https://www.balancedblackeducator.com/ "Black educators are more than just teachers… they are like family." In this enlightening podcast episode, we had the honor of conve…
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"God, what is my next move? What am I supposed to do?" Mr. Eugene Banks https://www.youngblackscholar.com/ Elementary School Math Instructional Coach, 4th Grade Math and Science "In a matter of moments, you can change the trajectory of a student’s life with the power of your words." In this episode, we introduce you to the remarkable Mr. Eugene Ban…
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“I know what my passion is. I know where I need to be.” Assistant Principal, Social Science/History Teacher kendaldavis1992@gmail.com "Teaching and school can be something a bit different than what we are used to seeing." In this enlightening podcast episode, we had the pleasure of conversing with Mr. Kendal Davis, an Assistant Principal with a bac…
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“Why are you not giving yourself a solution?” Rhia Gibbs, Black Teachers Connect Educational consultant, Former teacher sociology, criminology https://blackteachersconnect.co.uk/ "Become a teacher and conquer the world." In this week's insightful episode, we sat down with Rhia Gibbs, an accomplished educational consultant with a background in socio…
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Dr. Evisha Ford, LCSW I Can Dream Center Founder, Executive Director, Author Author: Benches in the Bathroom: Leading a Physically, Emotionally, and Socially Safe School Culture "Err on the side of children." In this week's episode, we had the honor of interviewing Dr. Evisha Ford, a 20-year veteran educator whose wisdom shines through her dedicati…
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“There have been Black people in the UK at least 2,000 years ago, to Roman times…” Mr. Tony Warner London, England Author, Educator, Entrepreneur “We didn’t learn any African history before slavery, we learned about slavery as if that’s where Black history began.” What does it mean to bring history to life? Today’s guest Mr. Tony Warner is the auth…
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“We need to see each other.” Justin Hampton Meteorology Professor, Operation Calculus Instructor, Tutor “Look at the prospects of what math can do for them…” #Shoutout to South Side Prep! This week, we are joined by Brooke’s high school classmate, Justin Hampton! Justin reflects on his elementary and high school experiences on the south side of Chi…
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“You can’t be what you can’t see.” Markayle Tolliver LINK Unlimited Scholars Instructor, Mentor “My teaching, my impact, my work is really sticking with the students…” #Shoutout to returning to your roots and pouring into the community that made you, AND to the nontraditional educators! This week, we’re connecting with Mr. Markayle Tolliver, who sh…
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“Black Educators are the Gold Mine of our community.” Tiffany Ford Little Leaders Learning Academy Leaders and Legends Performing Arts Academy “You have to know the kids to get through…” From an early age, Tiffany Ford developed a passion for school as she watched her mother work as an educator. Her diverse, well rounded educational experiences pre…
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“We have a Black principal, so we need to have this conversation with you.” Ally Wright Founding Principal, Middle School English, High School Humanities “Please come teach that here…” Have you ever heard the phrase that your gifts will make room for you? That’s exactly what happened for Educator Ally Wright, who combined her love of Black Liberati…
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“You get an experience…” Dr. Duane Davis Executive Director, K-12 Initiatives, University of Chicago, Edpreneur My Very Own Library Youtube: My Very Own Library “Seeing yourself… We are who we waiting for… we all we got.” With 28 years under his belt and after wearing many different hats, Dr. Duane Davis takes us to school on the nuances and contex…
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“It really was a cathartic, healing tool for me…” Ms. Khadijah Butler Nonprofit Founder and President, Author “I’m going to write a book so people can learn how to do it themselves…” Laying the Foundation, Brick by Brick. Khadijah Butler believes in the power of investing in the lives of Black and Brown youth, and does that each day via the Craig D…
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“... showing every student that they can be great, they can reach their full potential.” Cam McKennedy Middle School Teacher, Teach From DeHart Academy Co-Founder / Assistant Dean of Operations Teach From DeHart Academy www.teachfromdehart.org “My mom tells me that I’m blessed with a burden.” Cam McKennedy has been teaching for 2 years, speaks with…
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“You need to find a way to connect…” Mr. Jonathan Love Founder of The Love Institute, Speech Language Pathologist ‘Trust comes from a sense of love…” What does it mean to embrace the culture of being an African American student? What is academic excellence? Growing up in Chicago, Mr. Jonathan Love was fortunate to experience an elementary school th…
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Lauren Griffin, Elementary School Music Teacher Blair Savage, High School Special Education Teacher “I’m starting to see the bigger picture…” Talk about a full circle moment! As we kick off Season 2, Blair and Lauren are back! Our very first guests share updates and dig deeper into topics we touched on during their initial BEM visit in February 202…
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We’re Back! It’s time to record Season 2 of the Project 500 Podcast with Black Educators Matter! This year, Co-Founders Danielle and Brooke join forces on their quest to feature the stories of 500 Black educators, answering the culturally critical question “Why do Black Educators Matter?” On this Season 2 preview episode, tune in as they talk about…
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“It’s always about the relationships you develop with your students…” Mr. Willie Watson Teacher: Middle School, High School, Drama, Creative Writing This special speaker series is brought to you by the Alpha Theta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, as part of the “Go-to-High School, Go-to-College” initiative. Through this series, …
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“We have an opportunity to fulfill our ancestors’ wildest dreams.” Dr. Jon Goodwin Professor, College of Education School Psychologist, Licensed Psychologist This special speaker series is brought to you by the Alpha Theta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, as part of the “Go-to-High School, Go-to-College” initiative. Through this…
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“One size does not fit all.” Dr. Robert (Dr. Bert) Davis Veterinarian, Biology Teacher, President and CEO of America’s Black Holocaust Museum This special speaker series is brought to you by the Alpha Theta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, as part of the “Go-to-High School, Go-to-College” initiative. Through this series, we will…
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“It was the bug that bit me… this is my calling.” Dr. Carlos Grant Principal, Science Teacher Twitter: @DrCarlosGrant Facebook: Bold Leadership Consultants www.boldleadershipconsultants.com This special speaker series is brought to you by the Alpha Theta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, as part of the “Go-to-High School, Go-to-C…
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“I thought, working in universities, I was gonna just jump in, changing lives, inspiring students… but what they don’t tell you about is the politics, the hierarchy, and having to deal with the mental health issues of the students, and I found that all so shocking.” Dr. Shawntia Key CEO and Founder URep Abroad, Edpreneur www.urepabroad.com “Black e…
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“I don’t want to sit at everyone’s table. There are somes tables we just need to create for ourselves.” Kevin Simpson Edpreneur, Educator, Mentor www.kdslglobal.com www.aieloc.org - Association of International Educators & Leaders of Color “When I think of why Black Educators matter,... I think about representation, …voice, … those that are challen…
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“We’re in a space where we’re remembering… really going back and seeing our history with a new light. And we’re seeing it not as an oppressive history but a history that is rich.” Alex Munro Humanities Teacher, IB “Black Educators matter because we play an important role in empowering, uplifting and setting the example for others to follow.” Alex M…
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(A)broad in Education Black Educators matter because “being educators is in our history.” Tiffany Smith Early childhood Educator, Adult Educator, Journalist, Activist and Researcher https://www.abroadineducation.com/ https://www.instagram.com/abroad_in_ed/ “Black teachers are an endangered species and we’re at risk of being eliminated.” - Beverly C…
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“The value of having a Black educator… to give you perspective, to sit you down and to set you straight.” Andrea Vaughn Director of Corporate Engagement at Year Up Chicago “Educators help shine a spotlight on our native geniuses. And once you find it, it ignites something in you that just catapults you in a way.” Hailing from Jamaica by way of New …
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“The achievement gap is artificial.” Dr. Cardenas Shackelford K-12 Math Teacher, Site Administrator, District Administrator “School should be an integration of fun, play, and the academics, you need to have all of them.” Dr. Cardenas Shackelford has seen both the beauty and the trauma of education, and he’s made it his personal mission to protect a…
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“We have a lot of power as educators.” Zataya “Shack” Shackelford Walter English / Humanities Teacher, Founding Educator, Network Administrator, School Leader “You can’t do this work without being hopeful.” What can you do to make a greater impact on the communities you serve? Educational Leader Zataya Shackelford Walter, also lovingly known as Sha…
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“How can I service these children?” Adrienne King Middle School Math Teacher “No matter what, I love myself for who I am.” As a National Board Certified Teacher with 14 years in the classroom, Adrienne reflects on her open and transparent approach changing school culture and making education more than a checkbox. Although her own elementary school …
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“It’s time for us to mobilize.” Keep Pushing Mashanda Scott Elementary School Teacher, Head Start Director “I love the idea of constantly learning.” With a Political Science major and Educational Psychology minor, Ms. Mashanda Scott surprised her mentors, family and teachers when she pursued a career in the classroom instead of the courtroom. Now, …
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